Again, Dickson Bags Award For Transparency

…Dedicates Award To Bayelsans, His Team

The Senator representing Bayelsa West, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has bagged an award for Transparency in Leadership.

A coalition of over 90 civil society organizations under the aegis of the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, led by Director General of the prominent non governmental organization, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu honoured Dickson with the award in recognition of his sterling antecedents in the pursuit of transparency as Governor of Bayelsa State.

Governor Seriake Dickson, had won the 2018 Transparency Award organised by the management of the Africa Independent Television (AIT).

The Director General of CCLCA Dr. Gabriel Nwambu said while presenting the award to the former Governor, at the Press Centre of the Senate on Friday that it was given to him in appreciation of his “unique dimension of governance, conceived and implemented, especially in the area of transparency, accountability, probity and integrity.”

The Director General said that his organization was particularly impressed with the Governor for the bold step to initiate and the implement the Bayelsa State Transparency Law.

According to him, Dickson acted in an unusual and unique manner by initiating a law that makes it mandatory for the Governor and council chairmen to declare monthly incomes and expenditures of the state.

He stated that his Organisation found it fascinating to discover that Dickson made it an impeachable act of gross misconduct for non disclosure of state income and expenditure for three months in the then executive Bill.

He said, “Senator Henry Seriake Dickson was sworn-in as Governor of Bayelsa State on the 14th of February, 2012 and left office after eight years of meritorious service in February 2020

“On resumption, he, among other novel initiatives, sent an Executive Bill to the state House of Assembly called “Transparency Initiative Bill”. This Bill makes it mandatory for whoever is the Governor, or his representative, to make public, on monthly basis, the financial standing of the state. In other words, the bill requires a mandatory full disclosure of the total income and expenditure of the state for the preceding month.

“This law literally makes it mandatory for Governors and Local Government Chairmen to declare to the people, the income that comes into their coffers, and the expenditures thereof.

“Within the context of the BAYELSA State Innovative Law, the bill established and enshrined the right of the people to know how their money is received and spent. Failure to align with the legislation for 3 consecutive months would compel the state House of Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings on the Governor or Local Government Chairman as the case may be.

“Political leaders and several other interest groups at the time, were shocked when, in the draft bill, Senator Dickson insisted that non-conformity with the provision of monthly briefing should amount to gross misconduct in the law, for which the governor could be impeached. Even the lawmakers felt it was too harsh, but Dickson insisted.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is first of its kind in Nigeria and it is now 10 years since the enactment of this law, no other state in Nigeria has enacted any law similar to this.”

Nwambu stated further that the Senator continued with the monthly implementation of the law for eight years thereby propelling the confidence and trust by the electorate in the government.

He said Senator Dickson’s uncompromising stance on transparency made the Association of former LGA Chairmen who served under him to unanimously affirm to his integrity in public service and declared that as Governor for 8 years, he never tampered with Local Government Council funds.

He noted that it is indeed encouraging for the ex-Chairmen to affirm that “not only did Dickson not tamper with Local Government funds, he also added 15% of the state IGR to the local governments, to assist them with payment of primary school teachers salaries etc.”

He observed that “With this clear focus on transparency and openness and the introduction of higher standards in the administration of the State, little wonder that even in a recessed economy, the new standards brought in ensured that available funds were duly channeled to the actualization of massive developmental strides in Education, Healthcare delivery, massive road network construction, Human Capital Development, Agriculture and general infrastructural Development, including the BAYELSA State International Airport, the N10 billion Bayelsa cassava processing plant, the Aqua culture village, the gulf course, Universities among others which were initiated, completed and commissioned under him. Many other projects cutting across several sectors were either built and completed under him or conceived initiated and started by him as part of his vision for a modernized Bayelsa State.”

He stated further that Dickson period signaled departure from the previous practice where public office holders tampered with state resources with impunity.

He said that while it is the practice in Nigeria to honour those who have distinguished themselves in various areas, posthumously,  his organization finds it necessary to break from the practice by honouring those deserving of such honour while they are alive.

In his reaction, Dickson dedicated the award to the people of Bayelsa and his restoration team while in office.

He expressed surprise at the award and urged all other civil society organizations to ensure that those who have done well are encouraged with due recognition rather than the traditional focus on criticism alone.

“On behalf of my family, on behalf of the Restoration Government, the good people of Bayelsa, I thank the DG, and the organizers.

“I dedicate the award to the members of the restoration team, the deputy Governor, Gboribiogha John Jonah, and all the top government operatives. I also appreciate those who put me on my toes, criticizing us for eight years.

“I thank you even as I urge the NGOs not only to criticize but to also appreciate those who have done well.

“Public servants are not all devils. This country has a reservoir of great minds in the various sectors doing very well. Nation building cannot be done alone by one good person. It takes all to make concerted efforts, the total aggregate of every profession that determines whether a nation is great or not.

“I thank the DG for the recognition of the modest efforts and contributions in advancing the frontiers of promoting public accountability and development in Bayelsa.

“The Transparency Law is still effective in Bayelsa and I want to recommend it to other states. The People have a right to know the financial decisions: income and expenditure in their state.

Bayelsa still operates the law, as the government of the day continued with it. Also, the councils in Bayelsa enjoy financial autonomy.”

NDDC: Ogunmola possesses requisite qualifications to be appointed into NDDC board, Ondo Professionals tell Senate

By Ebi Keiena

Following massive outcry that trailed his rejection by the Senate last Thursday,  the Ondo State Professional Forum, FCT chapter, has stated that Mr Charles Ogunmola possesses necessary qualifications to be appointed into the board of the Niger-Delta Development Commission, NDDC.

The group has therefore called on the Senate to reverse its decision and confirm Mr Ogunmola as the Executive Director representing Ondo State in the NDDC board.

National Secretary of the group, Hon. Dele Fulani, in a statement issued on behalf of the association, called on the Senate particularly the senators representing Ondo state to reverse their decision and confirm Ogunmola immidiately stressing that the reason given by the senators for his rejection was based on primordial  sentiment which has no touch with current reality. 

Hon. Fulani maintained that the Constitution envisage oil producing area and not oil producing village, community or local government, adding that as a citizen of Ondo state, Ogunmola is qualified to be appointed as a representative of the oil producing state into the Niger Delta commission Board.

In the same vein, some former Niger Delta militants from seven states under the aegis of Niger/Delta Development Front, NDDF, have declared their support for the nomination of Mr. Ogunmola from Ondo State as the executive director of Projects at the NDDC by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The ex-agitators in a statement signed by their National Coordinator, National Secretary and National Publicity Secretary, Ovie Bobarakuie, Chief Kingsley Ebiowou and Dr. Solomon Orighomisan respectively, carpeted the three senators from Ondo State who rejected the nomination of Ogunmola during his screening at the Senate last week because there’s no oil in his community, stating that: “These senators are merely seeking cheap popularity after their earlier rejection by their constituents.”

Recall that on Thursday, the three Senators from the State had kicked against the nominee over what they described as a breach of the NDDC act.

They argued that Ogunmola is from Owo in the northern senatorial district of the State as against the oil-producing Ilaje and Ese-Odo Council Areas in the southern part of the State.

Explaining the reason for Ogunmola's rejection, Senator Ayo Akinyelure, Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, representing Ondo Central, disclosed that the nominee was rejected for not meeting up with the act of the NDDC.

The Senator, in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Strategy, Charles Akinwon, stated that the act setting up the commission stipulated that a nominee must come from an oil-producing area.

Akinyelure maintained that Ogunmola is not from the mandate area of Ondo State where oil is being produced.

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Ghana's President Akufo Addo Urges Africa To Stop Begging

 

Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo has urged African countries to stop "begging" from the West in order to earn global respect and change poor perceptions about the continent.

Mr Akufo-Addo made the remarks during the opening of the US-Africa Leaders' Summit in Washington DC.

"If we stop being beggars and spend African money inside the continent, Africa will not need to ask for respect from anyone, we will get the respect we deserve. If we make it prosperous as it should be, respect will follow,"

Furthermore, Mr Akufo-Addo urged greater solidarity among Africans to address shared aspirations.

Nana Akufo-Addo's remarks came on the day that the International Monetary Fund agreed to give Ghana a $3bn (£2.4bn) loan to alleviate an unprecedented economic downturn in the West African country.

Already burdened by high debt, Ghana is facing historic inflation of more than 40% and a collapse in the value of its currency - the cedi - economic difficulties exacerbated since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Nearly 50 African leaders and delegates are in Washington DC for a key summit hosted by President Biden.

It is the centrepiece of a major effort to reset and improve U.S. ties with African countries, whose relations with China and increasingly Russia have drawn scrutiny.

Pope Says Spend Less On Christmas, Give To Ukraine

 

By Joy Imisi

Pope Francis on Wednesday called on people to spend less on Christmas presents and celebrations, and donate the money saved to those in war-ravaged Ukraine.

“It is nice to celebrate Christmas. But let’s lower the level of Christmas spending a bit,” Francis said in his weekly general audience at the Vatican.

“Let’s have a more humble Christmas, with more humble gifts. Let’s send what we save to the Ukrainian people, who need it,” he said.

Nearly 10 months into the war, hardship from the fighting has compounded as winter sets in and Russia pounds Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Missile strikes have been crippling resulting in the periodic loss of electricity, heating, water and phone service across swathes of Ukraine.

The Ukrainians “are suffering so much. They are hungry, cold. So many people are dying because there are no doctors or nurses,” the pope said.

On Tuesday, Ukraine’s Western allies pledged an additional one billion euros ($1.1 billion) in emergency winter aid to help the country withstand Russia’s onslaught.

UK Welcomes Teachers From Nigeria, Eight Other Countries

The United Kingdom has disclosed that Nigeria has been listed among eight other foreign countries that are eligible to apply for the Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) through its Teaching Regulation Agency effective February 1, 2023.

Other countries listed include Ghana, India, South Africa, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Singapore, Ukraine, and Zimbabwe as countries now eligible for the programme.

In a statement by the UK Department for Education explained that this change was part of the launch of a new service.

On why the new countries were added on this new service, the Department said research showed teachers from these countries already have a substantial presence in the UK as valued members of the teaching workforce.

It also stated that there is an established interest in teaching in England in these countries in addition to having strong educational ties with the countries in question.

“From February 1, 2023, teachers who qualified in the following nine countries (listed above) will also be able to apply to the QTR through the TRA,” the Department said.

Also, it said that “you can work as a teacher in England and earn a salary while you’re assessed for QTS”.

The Department also said that to apply for assessment only QTS, you do not need a formal teacher training qualification.

However, it stated that a minimum of two years’ teaching experience is required to be eligible.

Other qualifications include an undergraduate degree of the same academic standard as a UK bachelor’s degree, as verified by UK ENIC, completed a course with content that is practically and pedagogically focussed, be qualified to teach children aged between 5 and 16 years.

Applicants must also have at least one school year (a minimum of 9 months including school holidays but excluding time out taken for any other reason) of professional experience working as a teacher after qualifying, have the professional status needed to be a teacher in the country where you qualified, and not be subject to any conditions or restrictions on your practice.

They must as well meet a certain standard of English language proficiency.

Nigeria: PWDs Will Vote Leaders Without Religious Bias- James Lalu

By Ere-ebi Agedah

At the Fourth Quarter meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) held recently in Abuja,  the Executive Secretary National Commission for Persons With Disabilities, Mr. James David Lalu had announced that PWDs will elect quality leaders who will unite Nigeria across religious lines. 

According to Lalu, in a statement by Head Press and Public Relations Unit, NCPWD Mbanefo JohnMichaels, noted that the synergy with the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council is very key especially at this crucial period that the nation is gearing towards the 2023 general elections. 

"We in the community of PWDs are ready to demonstrate our willingness to change the narrative to meeting the aspirations of Persons With Disabilities in various endeavours. 

"May I also reiterate that the 35. 5 million PWDs spread across the country are seeking that platform for sincere social inclusion through political offices come 2023."

The ES seized the occasion to implore religious leaders to make the worship centers accessible for Persons With Disabilities. 

Earlier in his address, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Gida Mustapha underpinned the critical role that religion plays in our polity. He stated that many politicians in the past have played on the psyche of Nigerians to support their candidates based on religious affiliations.

"The time has come for Nigerians to apply the all- people Inclusive approach regardless of the religious background" He opined. 

He further urged the religious leaders to be apolitical "even as we approach another major milestone of our political trajectory" 

In the same line of thought, the Executive Secretary, NIREC, Rev. Father Cornelius Omonokhua assured the meeting of the organization's position on the 2023 elections.

"We will continue to work for the unity of Nigerians from both the Christian fold and the Islamic society for a better understanding and peaceful coexistence" he said.

His Eminence, Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto gave a charge to all Nigerians to begin to look inwards and develop strategies to solving home grown issues. He said Nigerians should stop imitating the western world as they have their peculiar challenges as well.

Nigeria: HOR approves Committee Report for upgrade of Katsina-Ala College of Education to Varsity

Nigeria's House of Representatives has approved the Report of the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services on a Bill for an Act to upgrade the College of Education Katsina-Ala to Federal University of Education. 

The latest ruling on the Bill sponsored by Hon. Richard Gbande, Member representing Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Logo Federal Constituency of Benue State, was read out during Thursday's plenary.

“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services on a Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal University of Education, Katsina-Ala; and for Related Matters (HB.539) and approve the recommendations therein," Hon. Aminu Suleiman, House Committee Chairman on Tertiary Education and Services (APC Kebbi) read.

The legislation was last year referred to the House Committee on Tertiary Education and Services by Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila.

The House of Representatives had in September 2021 approved a Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of the Federal University of Education, Katsina-Ala for a public hearing and subsequent passage into law after it passed second reading.

According to Gbande, the decision to establish the College of Education Katsina-Ala was taken in 1976, while the college was later formally established by law, following the enactment of edict No.20 of 1984. 

The Lawmaker said the college has a staff strength of 804 and 10,339 students. Thus, the "college has capacity to be converted to a Federal University of Education so as to allow Nigerian students to benefit from the institution’s postgraduate programmes,” Gbande had noted.